Mobile phone distribution system

ABSTRACT

A mobile telephone programming and accounting system that includes an integrated hardware system interlinking a telephone unit, a telephone interlink receiver, and a central processing unit connected to the interlink receiver. The hardware system also preferably includes a receipt printer and a credit card reader. The telephone unit is preferably equipped with an internal real time clock and calendar circuit and memory store to record the time and date of calls for reporting to the central processing unit to enable tracking and detailed accounting of calls. The interlink receiver in the improved design includes a gang platform for programming multiple phone units, which may be phone units of different manufacturers, and provides for automatic programming of the multiple units and, in the retail distribution setting, programming the operating parameters and assignment of the phone unit to a service provider with encryption keys to reduce service churning.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/747,849, filed Dec. 21, 2000, now abandoned, which is a continuationof U.S. patent Ser. No. 08/648,596, filed May 16, 1996, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,243,574, issued Jun. 5, 2001, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/265,373, filed Jun. 23, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No.5,625,669, issued Apr. 29, 1997, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 07/767,231, filed Sep. 27, 1991, now U.S.Pat. No. 5,325,418, issued Jun. 28, 1994, the disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in full herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a cellular telephone accounting system totrack the location and usage of cellular phones and to provide anautomatic accounting system for centralized record keeping, audit oraccount statements. The cellular telephone accounting system isparticularly useful for rental of cellular phones where mobility of thephone presents unique problems in customer billing and accounting forthe location and possession of the telephone unit. Similarly, theaccounting system is useful for organizations with shared resources andequipment shared by employees, as in large private companies orgovernment agencies. Frequently, in such organizations usage of mobilecellular telephones requires monitoring to insure appropriatedistribution and authorized use of the phones. In both situations meansis provided for determining where the phones have been, what calls havebeen made and when, and to whose account usage is to be attributed.Additionally, the organizations may desire means for determining whatgeneral account such use, including any service charges from outsidevendors, should be charged.

Because existing commercial cellular phones are generally sold to auser/owner, detailed accounting schemes have been avoided in part tominimize complications with the already complicated requirements forcrediting national or international communication carriers, local orregional carriers, and one or more cellular network area operators.Similarly, with multiple charges from multiple carriers, with servicesprovided in a variety of governmental jurisdictions, tax accountingbecomes a complex endeavor. With the factor of periodic use by a seriesof multiple users added, problems arise that cannot be resolved solelyby programming changes in existing telephone units or centralcommunication systems. While some of the features of the preferredembodiment described hereafter may be of the type that could beincorporated in central telephone service systems, inertia in alteringmassive communication protocols for selective applications, not ofbenefit to all subscribers, will inhibit implementation. Although othercellular telephone rental systems have been proposed, they have beenunable to provide the full features required for proper monitoring ofthe location and usage of a mobile telephone unit to allow adequateflexibility in setting usage criteria for an organization or appropriatecharge schedules for a rental business.

The cellular phone accounting system of this invention solves theproblems in expanding the capability of existing cellular phone systemsby improvements in software programming and hardware additions, whichare preferably integrated into a composite system that is useful forsmall and large organizations.

It has been found that the primary object of this invention, to providea system that is sufficiently flexible to enable a variety of customizedtracking procedures to be incorporated to a customized cellular phoneoperation where a plurality of mobile telephone units are involved, can,with modifications, be applied to cellular telephone sales anddistribution systems. Many of the procedures for activating andprogramming a new cellular phone, and entering it into a cellularnetwork system are modified extensions to the unlocking, programming andtemporary assignment of the phone in the rental or organizationalsetting. Additionally, since the problems of activating and assigningcellular telephones from different manufacturers to different serviceproviders is not unique to cellular telephones, but applicable to anymobile communication device, the system described is applicable to MIRStelephones, PCS terminal phones, paging communicators or any wirelessanalog or digital communication device where such tasks as transactionrecords, credit checks, activation sequencing and sign-up for a serviceprovider are involved.

Since cellular phone distributors and sellers may often be differententities than cellular service providers, a layer of accounting andtracking is required that is not within the province of the telephonesystem line operator and not adequately addressed by commercial cellularservice providers or cellular telephone distributors. With modificationand expansion, the tracking and accounting system devised, provides thefoundation for an integrated and unified system for transfer of thecommunication unit from the manufacturers to the end user who signs onwith the local service provider.

This modified system of programming and tracking mobile communicationdevices is most effectively demonstrated for purposes of description bythe distribution of cellular telephone units from differentmanufacturers to the ultimate user. The embodiment of the system for usewith a cellular telephone is therefore equally applicable to any mobilecommunication device, whether digital or analog or for voice or datatransmission. The system is best implemented at the point ofdistribution by wholesalers, retailers or service providers for cellularphones or other mobile communication devices. In particular, this systemmeets the needs of a distributor of mobile phones from many differentmanufacturers and relates to a system for gang programming a pluralityof mobile telephones and readying a mobile phone for immediate use by acustomer or end user.

The programming, tracking and accounting system is a complete computersystem that also includes a routine for encrypting the phonemanufacturer's entry code on dedication of the phone or other device toa specified service provider, such that the service provider must unlockthe device before the dedicated unit can be switched to a differentservice provider with replacement of the original access key. Inaddition to the important gang programming and anti-churn features, theintegrated computer system provides an accounting system for trackingthe use of the phone and its transfer to a particular customer and tothe ultimate end user when the customer represents a group of end users.

In the field of cellular telephone communication systems, cellulartelephone wholesalers and distributors customarily market a variety ofdifferent models of cellular phones from different cellular telephonemanufacturers. Cellular phones are frequently marketed by cellularnetwork service providers directly to users, including customersrepresenting groups of end users. Service providers often contract withmultiple manufacturers to obtain quantity discounts or to offerpotential service customers different phone options, at different priceswith different features. The chore of programming many phone units fromdifferent manufacturers is problematic, particularly when it is notdesirable to have phone units with assigned phone numbers in a slowmoving inventory. Typically, groups of phones are required to beprogrammed on an “as needed” basis and desirably unlocked for use onlywhen assigned to a customer or end user. The feature of gang programmingmultiple phone units is therefore extremely important to an efficientcellular telephone distribution operation.

Additionally, the inherent mobility of the cellular phone unit with theresultant ability to incur substantial charges for telecommunicationservices makes accurate tracking imperative. Given the variety offactors and variables in delivering an operable cellular phone unit toan ultimate user within a discrete geographical local, a coordinatedsystem of tracking and security is required. This complex task iscomplicated by the competitive marketing practices of cellular and othertelecommunication service providers, which often encourage users toswitch service providers. The cellular service provider is traditionallynot informed of the reasons a subscriber switches companies and therebyhas no opportunity to bid for continued service, or determine if theservice provided was satisfactory or not. The inclusion of an anti-churnfeature requiring the phone unit to be reprogrammed only by the servicecenter of the service provider before a service switch, is a desirableasset. Additionally, the ability to account for the whereabouts and useof a cellular unit in real time provides a substantial advantage inmaintaining the security and integrity of a cellular telephone system.Because the field of cellular telephone communication systems hasreached a level of maturity that problems are apparent in extendingdistribution to common retail outlets such as mass market departmentstores, the programming, tracking and accounting system devised providesa format solution that is applicable to a variety of wirelesscommunication devices where additional layers of accounting and securityare required because of mobility of the device, the parties involved, orthe nature and content of the transmission.

The ability to activate, program and test a plurality of phone unitssimultaneously and complete the assignment of the units to an end userat a retail outlet greatly enhances the economy and usefulness of acomprehensive, multitiered, management system for communication unitsthat may be purchased, rented, leased or simply given to an ultimateuser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The multitiered programming, tracking and accounting system of thisinvention is defined by the exemplars of a cellular telephone rentalsystem and a cellular telephone distribution system. The system isequally applicable to any communication system where similar problemsarise because of the complexity of the multiple party transaction andmobility of a communication device that may incur substantial charges.

The cellular telephone accounting system of this invention in oneembodiment is configured as an integrated hardware system interlinking acellular telephone unit, a telephone interlink receiver, and a centralprocessing unit connected to the interlink receiver. The hardware systemalso preferably includes a receipt printer, particularly when used in arental or sale operation for cellular phone units. The cellulartelephone unit in one embodiment is equipped with an internal real-timeclock and calendar circuit and memory store to record the time and dateof calls for reporting to the central processing unit to enable trackingand detailed accounting for calls.

In centralized organizations, where one or more dispensing locations arecontemplated, the central processing unit may comprise local processors,such as personal computers, connected by a file server network to apersonal computer acting as a centralized information processor, or to acentral mainframe or minicomputer. Alternately, multiple localprocessors may be periodically accessed by a centralized processorthrough a modem using commercial communication lines for data transfer.

In the preferred embodiments described, the system will include a creditcard reader for credit verification, and, a receipt printer for instantproduction of statements, primarily useful for rental operations, butuseable by organizations where computer record keeping is augmented bypaper tracking. In such situations, slips identifying the user and otherfacts associated with checking-out and checking-in procedures for themobile units may be useful at the dispensing location although chargesand other usage accounting is handled internally in a centralized dataprocessing system in coordination with other organizational accountingtasks.

A primary object of this invention is to devise a system that issufficiently flexible to enable a variety of customized trackingprocedures to be incorporated into a customized phone operation where aplurality of mobile telephone units are involved. The cellular telephoneaccounting system of the described, preferred embodiment includes allthose needed features for a mobile telephone rental enterprise, and maybe modified as desired for less complex operations that may beappropriate for internal governmental or private company operations. Inthe improved system, additional features enable the application of thesystem to a mobile phone distribution system that is capable of sales ata retail outlet and immediate activation for service.

The cellular telephone accounting system of this invention includes aplurality of interlinked components. In general, a plurality of mobiletelephone units or cellular phones are involved, although the systemcould be used to monitor the use of a single telephone unit. The mobiletelephone units described, each comprise a cellular phone includingconventional circuitry and software to perform the customarycommunication transmission and reception functions. The units alsoinclude hardware and software means for call metering for coordinatingcall charges to national and regional phone systems in conjunction withone or more commercial cellular service operators. In addition, themobile telephone unit of this invention for use in the rental setting orwhere an additional layer of call accounting is required includes a realtime clock and calendar circuit module in each phone unit to date andtime the calls and enable accurate coordination of phone usage with thelocation of use for enhanced billing detail or usage monitoring.

The phone unit, when dispensed and returned, is installed in thetelephone interlink receiver which includes a boot having a terminalconnector or interface that connects to the external service connectorof the phone unit. Ordinarily, the phone unit connector is the standardconnector of a premodified cellular phone, which enables hardwirecommunication, ie: power and data transmission between the phone unitand an external system. This connector is usually used to diagnose,service or reprogram the cellular phone.

It should be noted that the telephone unit in one embodiment is modifiedto include a clock/calendar chip. In addition to the existing integratedcircuit found within commercial phones, such clock/calendar informationis stored with the conventional information pertaining to the phonenumber called and the like.

The telephone interlink receiver functions as the computer telephoneinterface and enables a standard personal computer to communicate withthe internal signal and data processing circuits of a minimally modifiedphone unit. In such an intermediary capacity, the interlink receiverassists the processing unit, preferably a personal computer, inaccomplishing basic housekeeping functions for the phone unit such assetting the time and date of the phone unit, reprogramming the phoneunit, or, retrieving stored information necessary to calculate charges.Together with the processing unit, the interlink receiver determinesother aspects of a phone's function and use or restrictions in thefunction and use, appropriate for a rental service or other controlledservice use.

The telephone interlink receiver utilizes an internal microprocessor andinterfacing means for interconnecting the telephone unit and the centralprocessing unit. The translation means is also included for establishingprotocol relative to the signals received from the telephone unit topermit communication of telephone unit signals to the microprocessorand, eventually, to the central processing unit. The translation meansmay be programmed with software or firmware appropriate to theparticular phone unit or cellular phone. The translation means may beerasable or reprogrammed at will, commensurate with the telephone unitbeing employed in the present invention. It is to be understood that thecircuiting comprising the interlink receiver can be incorporated intothe phone unit with the interlink receiver merely functioning as aninterconnector between phone and computer, with the phone jackeddirectly into the serial port of the computer.

The central processing unit in the rental embodiment comprises adedicated personal computer that is programmed with the necessarycontrol routines to operate the system. In general the centralprocessing unit is a stand-alone component and need not be connected toa centralized information processor.

However, if one or more local central processing units are connected toa centralized processor the operating protocol can be such thatoperations management is shared between the centralized informationprocessor and the linked central processing unit or units. In thismanner certain functions may only be performed through the centralizedprocessor, such that global or system wide changes can be effected froma single source, or, in some situations, to prevent or limit inadvertentor unauthorized alterations to system operation or billing records atthe local level.

The central processing unit includes connected peripheral components,most importantly a receipt printer which can generate a detailed instantrental invoice or slip incorporating a rental agreement or a detailedsales receipt and service contract. On return of a rented cellular phoneunit the printer can generate a return agreement with an instantstatement of charges, including charges from commercial common carriers,cellular network operators and, importantly, rental schedule charges.With the improved capability of the subject system the latter accountingcan include special charges for use out of the home base system,(roaming charges), for use in distant zones with a distant home base, asdefined by the rental operator, real time charges, and otherextraordinary charges or surcharges based on the newly availableinformation generated by the subject improvements to cellular phones.

Because the cellular phone unit is an expensive item and is aninstrument that can incur substantial long distance charges, additionalperipheral equipment for automatic credit card reading can be includedfor verification of credit sufficient to sustain loss of a phone unit orpotentially high commercial carrier charges during use. The credit cardreading equipment is connected to the central processing unit totransfer credit information to storage, verify credit by a modem thataccesses a credit bureau and prepare credit card statements afterauthorization of charges. The credit verification means is used inconjunction with any programmed charge limiting criteria, or calllimiting criteria, for restricting phone use to insure payment. Certainof the features of the rental system can be utilized in the cellulartelephone distribution system. For example, the credit verificationfeature including the credit card swipe component is advantageouslyemployed when the cellular phone is sold to the ultimate user at aretail outlet or service enter of a service provider.

The programming, distribution and tracking system of the expandedmodification, issues and tracks mobile communication units from thedistribution of the unit to the assignment of the unit to an ultimatesubscriber and his selected service provider network. In addition tomanaging the distribution, group programming, testing, and ultimateassignment of the units to a customer, the system activates and encodesthe unit for use with the specified service provider and end userproviding both paper documentation and a computerized audit trail.

The tracking system is particularly adapted to cellular telephones andincludes a multilevel data acquisition and management system thatprovides the necessary accounting and security features for optimizeddistribution of cellular telephones of different manufacture tocustomers of multiple or individual phone units. The system includes acomputerized central information processor and complimentary,interlinked subprocessors at the service center level and retaildelivery level as needed by the system user. The system is sufficientlyflexible to be used by a distribution outlet that provides theprogrammed and activated phone unit to the ultimate end user or by acellular telephone service provider that provides or acquires phoneunits for its subscribers.

The computerized tracking system enables a customer to obtain a cellularphone with virtually no paperwork, delays or programming problems andenables activation under a customer selected service plan. The trackingsystem is particularly useful for a cellular service provider or use inconjunction with a cellular service provider and includes the desirableanti-churning feature to prevent switching of service providers withoutthe acknowledgement and action of the service provider. At the level ofthe central information processor, the system is networked with existingcustomer acquisition systems and correlates customer verification andaccounting data with cellular unit transaction data. A customer databaseand a cellular phone unit database are coordinated with an interlink keythat enables a variety of standard and custom management reports to begenerated.

A primary feature of this expanded tracking system permits the formertedious task of individually programming and testing cellular telephonesthrough the keyboard of the unit to be avoided. Even the improved systemfor programming and communications with a cellular telephone through theinterlink receiver required phones to be programmed one at a time. Inthe improved extended system, the MIN parameters and phone activationcan be automatically entered through the telephone interlink receiver aspreviously described, or the system user can gang program and testmultiple phone units and coordinate the assignment of the phone units toindividual or group customers as described in the expanded system. Thephone units are activated and transactions related to each unit aretracked until the phone unit is no longer the responsibility of thedistributor or network service provider.

The tracking system is particularly useful for cellular serviceproviders to manage the initial acquisition, distribution and use ofmobile phone units in their cellular service network. The trackingsystem integrates easily into existing customer acquisition systems andincludes a relational database that is easily accessible and shared byexisting systems.

These and other features provide the necessary accountability andsecurity for operating a high volume cellular telephone distribution andtracking system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the components of a first embodiment ofa mobile phone accounting system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of the mobilephone accounting system with a centralized processor.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the command hierarchy of themajor components of the system.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the command line interfacebetween the computer and interlink receiver.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the command line interfacebetween the interlink receiver and the mobile phone unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram indicating a general flow of data through thetelephone interlink receiver.

FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic of the telephone interlink receiverand the interface between the telephone unit and central processingunit.

FIG. 8 is an electrical schematic depicting a portion of the telephoneunit circuitry and modifications made to the same.

FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of the distribution and tracking system ofanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the system configuration of FIG. 9 forphone programming and data recording.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an overview of the routing system formultiple phone programming.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the routing sequence for multiple phoneprogramming.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the routing system and routing sequencefor multiple phone programming.

FIG. 14 is an electrical schematic diagram of the routing circuit at aplatform module of the gang platform for programming multiple phones.

FIG. 15 is an electrical schematic diagram detailing a portion ofrouting circuit of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an electrical schematic diagram detailing a portion of therouting circuit of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an electrical schematic diagram of the power circuit for therouting circuit of FIG. 14.

FIGS. 18A-18T are exemplar screen displays for uses of the distributionand tracking system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, the cellular telephone accounting system of thisinvention is designated generally by the reference numeral 10 and isshown in the configuration of a stand-alone, tracking and accountingunit 12. The tracking unit 12 includes a central processing unit 14 thatcombines a data entry keyboard 16 coupled to a controller or dataprocessor 18 which in turn is coupled to a monitor 20 having a displayscreen 22 for tracking data entry and review. Also connected to theprocessor 18 are peripheral components including a printer 24, here witha continuous paper roll 26 for printing statements, receipts, customercontracts and the like, and a credit card reader 27 for creditverification.

Included in the cellular telephone accounting system is a telephoneinterlink receiver 28 shown with a coupled, hand-held, cellular phoneunit 30. The interlink receiver 28 structurally forms a boot 32 intowhich the cellular phone unit 30 is inserted at the time of check-out orrental, and at the time of check-in or return. The interlink receiver 28comprises the interface component between the central processing unit 14and the mobile cellular phone 30. It is to be understood that thetracking unit 12, even as a stand alone system, generally includes aplurality of phone units 46, each with its own telephone number andequipment identification number and assigned cellular area systemnumber.

As shown in FIG. 2, the preferred system for a rental operation havingmultiple rental sites includes a centralized processor 34, including acontroller 36 with a large memory acting as a centralized database forrecord keeping, an input/output console 38 for entering data andreviewing files, programs, etc. and a printer 40 for generating reportsand hard copy records. The centralized processor should comprise atleast an IBM 386 or equivalent personal computer with an internal modemand large memory. The centralized processor 34 removes many of theoperational tasks from the plurality of local tracking units 12,enabling the tracking units to provide the necessary operations for siterentals, but removing to the centralized processor the programming andscheduling functions.

In this manner, changes in rate structures, in procedures or in the typeof information collected can be accomplished throughout the servedsystem. Additionally, centralizing many operations removes the abilityto inadvertently or deliberately tamper with procedures or billings andallows implementation of various security measures for the local sites.

Each of the tracking units 12 comprises a personal computer 42 such asan IBM 286 or compatible, a rental agreement and invoice printer 24, anda credit card reader 27. The tracking units 12 are connected to thetelephone interlink receiver 28 to which phone units from the inventory46 are connectable to link the phones with the computer 42. The trackingunits communicate with the centralized processor continually by a fileserver type network or periodically by a modem link through commercialtelecommunication systems. A second dedicated modem, (not shown) locatedinternally in the computer 42 also allows the credit card reader tocommunicate with a service bureau 44 for credit verification.

A cellular phone unit inventory 46 is associated with each tracking unit12 and includes individual phone units 30 identified for assignment to aparticular tracking unit home base. Records of reassignment of phoneunits when returned to different sites or when transferred to morepopular rental sites is desired for proper inventory control. Internalsystems programming tracks the phone units and includes procedures totrack the location of the units during use. To insure that roamingcharges are appropriately calculated relative to a particular home base,cellular area system identification numbers are stored on each call orperiodically when switching from one area to another.

Referring now to the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 3-5, an overview of theoperation of the interlinked components of the cellular telephoneaccounting system 10 is shown. In FIG. 3, the command hierarchy isdepicted with the tracking and accounting unit 12 (TAU), Box 50, sendingcommand bytes to the computer telephone interface (CTI) Box 52, in theform of the previously described telephone interlink receiver 28, whichtranslates and relays the appropriate command bytes to the Tphone, Box54, which is one of the cellular phone units 30 electronically connectedto the interlink receiver 28.

In an exemplar system, a Novatel PTR800A cellular phone was modified byinclusion of a real-time clock chip, U5 in FIG. 8, integrated into thecellular phone processor with a rededication of a part of the memorystore in the cellular phone EPROM memory chip to accommodate operatingsystem code and data storage for the new functional capabilities of thephone unit.

The computer initiated command bytes, when engaged in data retrieval,are relayed to the Tphone 54 by the CTI 52, with any modification ortranslation, necessary to accommodate particular operating system anddata code in a particular manufacture of cellular phone, triggering adata dump or data read of stored information and check of any settingssuch as the real time clock and non-resettable cumulative counter. Thedata retrieved by the CTI 52 is passed to TAU with any modification ortranslation to the data necessary for compatibility with the interfacestandards set for the TAU system particularly in a multi site networkwhere differently configured phones may be used from site to site.

The return data bytes are processed by the TAU computer, for siteactivities involved in the rental transaction, and in systems having acentralized processor, stored and passed to the centralized processorwhen the local unit is periodically interrogated by the centralizedprocessor.

Referring to FIG. 4, a simplified command protocol is diagrammed tooutline the data retrieval process at the CTI. At the start, Box 56, aninquiry is made to determine if the TAU has turned on the Tphone forinterrogation, decision diamond 58. If no, it returns to its startstate. If yes, then an inquiry is made to determine if the cellularphone is in the CTI, diamond 60, and engaged on the connecting terminalto be electronically connected to the CTI. If yes, then the system isset to receive a command from the TAU, Box 62. When a command isreceived the TAU relays the command to the Tphone, Box 64 and a check ismade to determine if the Tphone received the command, diamond 66. If no,a failure flag update message, Box 68, is relayed to the TAU, and ifyes, the read data message is passed to the Tphone, Box 70, to extractthe desired information from the Tphone.

If the data read is a success as queried at diamond 72 the success flagis set, Box 74, and if no, the failure flag is set. A failure flagmessage will prompt the rental operator to remove the phone from servicefor repair servicing or special procedure interrogation to recover anysought for data, particularly if Tphone is being interrogated after arental return.

Referring to FIG. 5, a simplified command protocol is diagrammed tooutline the procedure occurring in the modified cellular telephone. Itis expected, however, that the subject modifications will beincorporated in the cellular telephone upon manufacture.

From start, Box 76, one of several paths is directed to the decisiondiamond 78 where it is determined whether a telephone call is beinginitiated. If no, a return loop goes back to start, Box 76. If yes, itis determined if a send key has been pressed at diamond 80 whichindicates an outgoing call. If yes, a check is made at diamond 82 todetermine if the “in use” light E-1 FIG. 7, is on, indicating acompleted call connection. A no at either the send key decision or lighton decision will result in looping to existing internal phone processesat Box 84 with a return to a start, Box 62.

If the phone is in use the interrogation path jumps to RAM where thecontrol code for initiating the internal record keeping proceduresresides, Box 86. Instructions are initiated to read the clock andcalendar, Box 88, and retrieve any cellular system identification numberand switching data, if the phone is not already storing such data in itsown memory. The recovered data is temporarily stored in reallocated RAM,Box 90 together with the phone number and other pertinent data forfeedback to the CTI callup. The path then jumps back to ROM, Box 92, forcoordinating system operation procedures of cellular phone with the realtime data collection and store before returning to start, Box 76.

In a second path from start, Box 76, when the in use light goes offsignalling the end of a call, the jump to RAM, Box 94 initiates theprogram instructions to store the time and data of the call end, Box 96,enabling calculation of an outgoing call duration or identification ofthe time and date of an incoming call together with the cellular systemidentification number, if desired. A jump back to ROM 92 returns thecontrol to the internal control circuitry of the phone.

Finally, on placing the phone in the interlink receiver 28, a telephonereceived command byte, Box 98 results in a jump to RAM, Box 100 wherethe program instructions to recover and relay the stored data areinitiated. This stored data, including the cellular systemidentification number in the cellular network system, stored in RAM, issent back to the CTI, Box 102 using the system protocol of the phoneunit, Box 104.

If the cellular system identification numbers are logged by the existingoperating system program of the phone, the newly programmedinterrogation instructions need only locate the data store, recover andtransmit the data to the CTI for relay to the TAU. The TAU by its ownmodifiable internal program defines use zones and translate celllocations to use zones for calculation of use surcharges, for out ofhome base roaming calls, and/or, for monitoring the location of use.Alternately to monitor use, the real-time clock circuit can triggerperiodic inquiries to the memory store of current system identificationnumber and record changes in the number in a memory location accessibleduring data transfer.

In a mobile, cellular telephone network, cellular areas are given asystem identification area number (SID) similar to national telephonesystem area codes. Each phone in addition to an assigned telephonenumber includes a unit identification number or called the ElectronicSerial Number (ESN) and an initially assigned home system identificationnumber (SIDH) that identifies the unit as associated with a particularcellular area (SID). Usually this SID is the rental site as the homebase from which roaming calls are calculated, but may be anotherlocation. In the metering of calls, for proper crediting of the systemsarea operator, calls are logged with (SID) number providing a means ofnoting from which system area, as well as area code, a call is made,while “roaming” away from a home base. In that manner, the phonecompanies can bill a cellular phone wherever it travels.

By storing and accessing this information and coordinating data withreal time call records, monitoring the location of the phone unit duringits period of use is accomplished by any of several programmingprocedures.

In the example given, modifying a Novatel PTR800A phone 208, FIGS. 6 and8, the program code is not stored in ROM, because there was no room, butstored in a dedicated section of RAM. In operation, as described withreference to the flow charts, patches were used to jump out of ROM toRAM to implement the new program procedures. Similarly, certain featuresof the original phone, including a user call memory in RAM for storageof frequently called numbers, was coopted to store the new phone calldata.

A redesigned cellular phone unit 12 preferably allocates systemoperation code to ROM, and includes an expanded RAM memory to retaincommon desirable features, while storing data on an expanded number oflogged calls with the additional data for time and date provided by theincorporated real-time clock, and a correlated real-time record of (SID)data to establish the location of the phone during each logged call, andif desired, throughout its period of use.

With reference to FIG. 6, it may be observed that block diagramgenerally describes the interlink receiver 28. Receiver 28 is mountedwithin boot 32 which includes a microprocessor 202 communicating througha serial port 204 to the central processing unit 14. Interface 206permit telephone unit 208 to communicate with receiver 200. Aspreviously described the embodiment herein employs a telephone unitconsisting of a Novatel cellular phone TR800A. However, it should benoted that any telephone unit may be employed herein with the presentsystem 10. In this regard, translation means 210 is included in receiver28 to establish a protocol within receiver 28, permitting data signalsfrom telephone unit 208 to eventually reach central processing unit(CPU) 14 through microprocessor 202, using standard data formats such asASCI. The program 212, in the form of software or firmware, is insertedinto translation means 210 to accommodate the data signalcharacteristics of telephone unit 208. It should be noted thattranslation means 210 may be erasable and reprogrammable with anyprogram when telephone units are substituted.

Returning now to FIG. 7, it may be observed that a schematic diagram isrepresented for receiver 28. At it may seen from FIG. 7, interface 204from central processing unit 14 feeds into receiver 28 at J3. A 12V DCpower source is also fed from CPU 14 passes through capacitor C8 andinto voltage regulator VR1. The voltage regulator VRI reduces the inputvoltage from 12V to 5V by passing current through an output filter 214consisting of capacitors C1, C2, C9, C4, and C13. The J3 input connectsto process voltage convertor U4 which is capable of generating positiveand negative voltages via capacitors C8, C10, C11, and C12.Microprocessor U1 interprets any data, as previously described, passingbetween CPU 14 and telephone unit 208. Multiplexer U2 receives signallines from U3, depicted as an EPROM which serves as translation means210. Software or firmware program 212 is superimposed on EPROM 3. Thesource code of a software program peculiar to the Novatel telephone unit208 is enclosed herewith as an appendix to this application. Interface206, also peculiar to the Novatel telephone unit 208, is depicted inFIG. 7 as J4. Again, the physical terminal or jack serving as interface206 may be altered to accommodate any telephone unit. E1 (LED 1) isswitched by transistor Q2 and indicates the operation transistor Q3operates transistor E3 (LED 2) with a yellow light indicatinginterrogation between CPU 14 and telephone unit 208. Transistor Q1 turnstelephone unit 208 on and off. Table 1 indicates components andabbreviations employed in FIGS. 7 and 8.

With reference to FIG. 8, it may be observed that a portion of thecircuit board added to the Novatel PTR800A phone unit 208 is depicted.The EPROM U6 essentially identical to the EPROM employed in the Novatelphone unit 209 except the tip missing 216 pin (−) has been removed. Aclock chip U5 has been added, including a crystal Y2. Thus, theclock/calendar information travels between the pins marked VCC of chipsU5 and U6 via the tuning capacitor C14. Thus, the unit 208 has beenaltered to provide clock/calendar information, together with priorinformation available in phone unit 208, to interlink receiver 28 andCPU 14. Table 2 represents a list of certain components employed in theschematics depicts in FIGS. 7 and 8. It should be noted that additionalsoftware or firmware is programmed into the EPROM of U6 and is providedherein as a portion of the appendix.

TABLE I ABBREVIATIONS XTAL—crystal E—enable PSEN—program strobePCRXT—pers. computer receive data P—port PCTXD—pers. computer transmitdata RST—reset ALE—address latch enable DSR—data set ready A—addressRD—receive data LED—light emitting diode RTS—ready to send AD—addressand data line TD—transmit data DRV—drive CTS—clear to sendWRON—telephone unit GND—ground XFCE—interface DB—connector CE—chipenable OE—output enable PGM—program VPP—power supply chip I—in O—outD—data

TABLE II COMPONENTS U - 1 Microprocessor 80C31 U - 2 Multiplexer 74 HC373 U - 3 EPROM 27064 U - 4 Process Voltage Converter Maxum 232 U - 5Clock Chip DS1215S Dallas Semi Conductors, Dallas Texas U - 6 EPROM27C2S56Telephone Unit 208 Novatel PTR800A Ft. Worth, Tex.

In use, in the situation of a rental operation, a customer indicates adesire to rent a cellular phone and presents a credit card. The rentalagent activates the display screen by a key touch to change from ascreen saver display to a main menu, selecting the “rent a phone”option. The agent then selects a “new customer” option and enters thecustomers name, address, driver's license number and other informationdesired by a predevised field based data format. The agent then swipesthe customer's credit card through the slot in the credit card reader torecord credit information and automatically dial-up a service bureauthrough a dedicated internal modem in the local computer, called thetracking and accounting unit (TAU). Upon verification of card validityand credit limitations, if any, the TAU prompts the agent to place aphone in the boot of the telephone interlink receiver. The phone isinitially off and the interlink receiver powers the phone, unlocks it,and checks the phone Electronic Serial Number (ESN) and telephonenumber, checks the cumulative call counter, checks the setting of thereal-time clock in the phone and resets the call memory.

The TAU prints out the rental agreement, which in part is preprinted,adding the new information identifying the customer and phone beingrented, the number of batteries provided, and any other transaction orcredit information desired. The customer signs the agreement and a copyis retained by the agent who logs the phone as in-use.

The phone for rental operations may have international, 900 and 876numbers blocked. Additionally, the phone may have the number of callslimited by customer agreement, or because of memory capacity in storingthe time of the call, the duration, the called number for outgoingcalls, and the SIDH number, identifying the cellular system area calledfrom. A conventional cellular phone without specifically added memorycan store data on about 200 calls.

After use, the customer returns the phone to the rental site. The agentselects the “phone return” option in the screen display menu. The agentis again prompted to place the phone in the boot of the telephoneinterlink receiver. The interlink receiver reads the call memory, clearsthe call memory, locks the phone and transfers the information to theTAU.

The TAU calculates the bill, using the appropriate daily rate, localcalling charge, roaming charges, roaming call surcharges, long distancetariffs, long distance markups, international rates, taxes and any othercharges such as lost batteries, etc. The TAU calls the credit cardservice bureau and requests payment authorization. The TAU prints out aFinal Agreement Invoice with a detailed call list, and list of chargesfor the customer. When the customer signs the invoice, the TAU recordsthe rental as complete.

Periodically, under central operator control, the centralizedinformation processor calls the local site TAU over a dial-up line. Thecentralized processor polls the TAU for records of all completedrentals, inventory data and provides the TAU with tariff and otheroperating data updates. The polling of local site TAUs is usuallyperformed late-at-night as the TAU is disabled during interrogation. Thecentralized processor compiles and prints daily and weekly reports onindividual sites, recording daily and weekly business, phone usage,inventory, overdue phones and revenues. The centralized processorcompiles composite reports on all site data to provide a currentoverview of the rental operation.

Similarly, the TAU on operator demand generates reports for theindividual rental office to provide current and cumulative hard copyrecords on the business.

Experience in the field of rental of cellular phones has resulted in therecognition of many problems that arise in the temporary assignment ofphones to users. Processing of the necessary paperwork at the rentaloffice, checking the user's credit and tracking the cellular telephonewith accurate accounting for calls, including an extra layer for rentalcharges have enabled solutions to be devised for the different, butrelated field of cellular phone distribution. The new problems ofactivating telephones, often from different manufacturers, anddelivering the phones to an ultimate user under a subscription agreementwith a cellular phone service provider are advantageously resolved bythe tracking system for distributed cellular telephones as hereindescribed.

Referring to the diagrammatic view of FIG. 9, the programming, trackingand accounting system for distributed mobile communication devices, heremobile phone units 308, is designated by the reference 310. Theprogramming and tracking system is shown coupled by a communication linkto an existing customer activation system 312 used, for example, by acellular telephone distributor, retailer or cellular network serviceprovider. Frequently, the cellular telephone distributor is the cellularsystem service provider, and not only issues phones to customers andsubscribers, but tracks the telephone usage by the subscribers.

The mobile telephone tracking system 310 may, however, be utilized as aself-contained, mobile telephone distribution system that issuestelephones from a variety of different manufacturers to customers inconjunction with one or more service providers. In this system, bypre-arrangements with the service providers, the customers can be issuedan activated mobile phone and subscriber's contract for service at asingle location.

The mobile telephone tracking system 310 is shown networked withoptional subsystems including one or more service center systems 314,and similarly, one or more retail delivery systems 316. The core of themobile telephone tracking system 310 is a central information processorunit 318 that includes a data input and output module 320 and fileserver tower 322. It is to be understood that any capable hardwaresystem having networked, file-server capabilities may function as thecentral information processor unit. It has been found that a 486DX50 mHzcentral processing unit with a Unix operating and networking systemincluding a SCSI 300 mb hard drive and an accompanying file server towerprovides an economical hardware system for managing most mobile phoneacquisition, programming, testing and issuing operations of the expandedsystem.

The central information processor unit 318 includes an internal modemthat communicates via a data link 326, for example commercial telephonelines, to the customer activation system 312 which includes the customerdata base and accounting system of the phone distributor or serviceprovider.

Where desired, additional terminals can be connected to the centralinformation processing unit for acquisition and transfer of data fromremote sites. The central information processing unit 318 also includesa series of gang platforms 324 for programming and testing groups ofmobile phones simultaneously.

In one preferred embodiment, a single central information processingunit 318 includes eight different interfaces for programming cellularphones from different manufacturers and can program up to 128 phones atone time when grouped by manufacturer and/or model number. This featureis particularly important for mobile phone distributors who haveheretofore been required to activate telephones individually through apainstakingly slow process using the telephone keyboard. Automaticprogramming and testing of cellular phones in batches substantiallyreduces error input, the time for programming and testing, and the timefor generating accounting records for tracking, inventory control andbilling.

Far greater security is provided by automatic batch programming, sincethe group of phones programmed can be assigned all NAM (NumberAssignment Module) parameters including SID (System Identificationnumber), GIM (Group Identification Mark), and MIN (Mobile IdentificationNumber). In the procedure of batch programming of telephones, theautomated software includes a procedural command set that allows theprogrammer a degree of latitude in programming the phones, such thatcertain parameters, such as assignment of the MIN may be performed atthe service center 314 or at the retail outlet 316. In this manner, theinventory of useable MIN's under control of the central informationprocessor 318 is not depleted prematurely and valuable telephone numbersare not assigned until the phone is activated for use or delivered tothe ultimate user.

Of particular importance, at the time of programming the batch ofphones, the phones can be encrypted with an anti-churn code to preventaccess to the manufacturer's “back door” entry code that permitsreprogramming. In this manner, the programmed phone must be returned toan authorized service center to be unlocked for reprogramming. Theability to track and account for activated phones is thereby within thecontrol of the distributor or his authorized agent.

The distributor will thereby be alerted to a service switch prior to theswitch occurring. This provides the distributor (or service provider whois also the distributor or operating in conjunction with thedistributor) an opportunity to determine the reasons for a serviceswitch, and, if anything can be done to prevent a service switch. Forexample, correction of any dissatisfaction the customer may have withequipment operation, service or billing may enable the customer to beretained.

In addition to this marketing advantage, the anti-churn code enables thedistributor to precisely determine when the phone unit is no longer theresponsibility of the distributor, thereby expanding the marketing planfor acquisition of phones to lease or lease-purchase. During the processof reprogram unlock, the action is automatically reported to the centralinformation processor unit and recorded.

The anti-churn feature also allows for greater security in thedistribution of cellular phones within the tracking system. Telephonesthat are not fully programmed and await final assignment of a SID and/orMIN at the local service center or retail outlet cannot be finallyprogrammed without access to the encrypted anti-churn code.

In FIG. 9, the retail delivery system 316 is shown with a computer 328connected to the central information processor 318 via a communicationlink 330 that may be a dedicate or switched public network channel. Theretail delivery system or retail outlet includes a printer 332 forprinting customer forms and invoices, a bar code scanner 334 allows forrapid entry of data into the computer 328 that is associated with aparticular phone unit 336 being scanned. The phone unit preferably has abar code label that is keyed to the manufacturer's group identificationnumber or the manufacturer's individual serial number (ESN) for thatunit. Data related to the phone unit is thereby readily entered allowingaccess to the stored data about that unit or group to be accessed fromstorage in the local computer 328 or retrieved from the centralinformation processor 318. The retail outlet 316 also includes a creditcard swipe 338 such that the customers credit can be instantly verifiedand payments or present credit allocations entered by charge if desired.The computer 328 also includes a keyboard 340 and a data input mouse 342allowing the customer sales representative to select menus and fieldsfor entry of data relating to the transaction. Transactional data isreturned to the central information processor 318 for correlation,processing and storage.

It is to be understood that the auxiliary components to the computer 328may also be included at the location of the central informationprocessor 318 or the service center 314, if phones are issued tocustomers or if hard copy records are desired to be generated.

The local service center system 314 is also connected to the centralinformation processor 318 via a communication link 350. The servicecenter 314 can be a satellite system to the central informationprocessor allowing original batch programming or telephones in a gangplatform 324 in conjunction with the central information processor 318,or be a supplemental system, where a local service area completes phoneprogramming initiated by the central information processor. For example,where the service center is at a remote site of a cellular serviceprovider and phones delivered to the center have been encrypted andpreprogrammed with all NAM parameters, except final assignment of theMIN which the service provider draws from its locally availableinventory of MTNs stored on a disk or in the memory of the localcomputer 328, final assignment of the MIN at the service center site maybe preferred to protect the phones in transit and conserve availableMINs. Alternately, the service center is associated with a retaildelivery system that is a retail outlet for phones from a variety ofdifferent manufacturers that are delivered to customers of severaldifferent service providers. As such, the service center is required toselectively program phones for different service providers or reprogramphones when customers switch service providers or exchange phone units.

From the foregoing, it is to be understood that the system hassufficient flexibility to be configured according to the requirements ofthe user of the distribution system. A typical application of thedistribution system is described with reference to the block diagram ofFIG. 10.

As shown in FIG. 10, the system provider 354 delivers a hardware andsoftware package of the distribution and tracking system to a systemuser 356, in this case, a cellular phone distributor. The system userenters currently known data into the five major directories, i e.,phones 358, salesmen 360, company 362, MIN inventory 364, and customer366 to set up a current system.

The directory for phones 358 includes a database with the necessary datafields to identify the inventory of phone units passing through thesystem from the phone manufacturer to the ultimate customer or user. Thedatabase includes the manufacturer's group identification mark (GIM),number of units available, the manufacturer's electronic serial numberfor each unit (ESN), pricing data, access or locking code forprogramming and other data related to the phone units or phonemanufacturer.

The directory for the salesman 360 contains a database with the identityof all agents and representatives of the system user who have access tothe system directories and their level of access. For example, somerepresentative may be able to initiate the sales and invoicing of agroup of phones to a company, but a second representative may berequired to program and ship the phones. Additionally, access to theaccess code for programming or credit information of a company orcustomer may be limited according to the security requirements of thesystem user.

The directory for the company 362 includes a database with the identityof the various service providers or local service provider centers towhich the distributor delivers phones. The database may include fieldshaving the name of the company, telephone number, shipping locations,credit information and its system identification number (SID) and otherdata necessary to correlate the programming and delivery of phone unitsordered by one of the listed companies.

The directory for MIN inventory 364 includes a database of availablemobile identification numbers that are assignable to a phone unit whendelivered to a company in a particular local service area. Because theMIN inventory is generally accessed from multiple issuing sites, thedatabase must keep a real time inventory of available numbers andindicate when numbers are assigned to phone units or blocked for groupassignment to a particular company on a multiple unit order.

The customer directory 366 includes a database of the customers andultimate users of the phone units and includes fields for the useridentity, credit information, calling restrictions and other data thatis customer related. Since the identity of the customer is usuallydetermined by the local service provider, the data for the customerfiles must be extracted from the files or return entry of the serviceprovider. If the service provider is already keyed into the system, forexample, by being a service center, or, retail outlet of thedistributor, the data is entered into the system when the phone isactivated for use in behalf of the ultimate user and automaticallyaccessed by the system user or returned by the local issuer of the phoneunit. The data retrieved by the credit check, for example, from thecredit access resulting from a credit card swipe in credit card reader338 of FIG. 9, allows evaluation and recording of credit data andcustomer identity.

Since the phone distribution system may be implemented with a retailoutlet for programming and issuance of phones to a customer on the spot,like the phone rental setting the results of credit verification mayjustify limiting the initial number of calls, programming a phone lockupon reading a predetermined dollar limit or upon reaching a certaindate. This would provide a service provider who is assigned a subscriberby a retail outlet an opportunity to assign risk and reevaluate thesubscriber's credit standing under its own criteria without substantialcosts being incurred. The feature of a programmed date lock and dollarlock is an improved feature for the rental system where close monitoringof calls is enabled, and is implemented in the distribution system wherethe phone units include a real time clock to enable data locking, orwhere the system user is or has access to the calling date of theservice provider.

In the system shown in FIG. 10, data is extractable from each directory.The term directory is used in its general categorical sense, as opposedto any formalistic format for isolating data.

When a sales agent receives an order inquiry, an order form 368 isprompted on the computer. If the requesting company is already a client,the data is extracted from the company directory and automaticallyappears in the form, which may in fact be custom invoice and receiptforms for that company. The sales agent then enters the order details atthe programming history Box 370 and the data is routed to the salesagent responsible for filling the order and programming the phones atBox 372. The phones are loaded into the gang platform and queried by theprogramming module of the system software to determine make, model andother data necessary to route the necessary programming instructions anddata to the polled phone during the programming procedure. To provide anaudit trail for tracking, data relating to each programmed phone isretrieved and stored in the database of the central informationprocessor. If the customer is known at the time that the order detailsare entered then that data is stored on programming and assignment ofthe phone. If the customer identity is subsequently determined by thecompany, which, for example, is the service provider, the customer datais returned by the company on issuance of the phone to a subscriber.

The task of initial programming the phones in the system described isautomated for up to 128 phones installed in modules 374 of the gangplatform. Each module 374 is designed to hold sixteen phone units 336.The configuration described can be adapted to access two hundred fiftysix phone units on reconfiguration for larger numbers is warranted.However, it has been found that programming the phones takes seconds forsome models and minutes for others, so that the task of installingphones in the phone boots 376 and removing them for shipment is the timelimiting factor, not the ability to program more phones at a time. Inessence, the gang platform 324 comprises a plurality of modules 374 eachhaving a plurality of boots 376 with each boot having an interlinkreceiver station 378 permitting the computer to directly communicatewith each phone unit through the phone's connection port in the gangplatform.

Using a UNIX operating system for the multi-task programming operation,the phone programming module of the distribution system periodicallyinitiates a status command to gang platform such that a polling routineassociated with each port terminal is sequenced to determine thepresence of a phone unit installed in a platform boot.

Referring to the block diagram of FIG. 11, the central informationprocessor unit 318 communicates with a host network card, in thisinstance a Stallion EasyReach controller 380, which provides two useablechannels 382 and 384 for communication with multiple gang platformmodules 374, each holding boots 376 for preferably sixteen phone units.As noted a single channel, for example channel A, 382, can be utilizedto program up to 128 phones. The host network controller 380 utilizes astandard X21 network protocol to communicate with a local StallionEasyReach controller 383 in each of the gang platform modules 374. Eachof the modules 374, for example, Box 1, Box 2 . . . to Box n, hasassigned a network ID and communicates with the host card 380 as anetworkable client. Each interlink receiver station 378 at each moduleboot 376 has port terminals 392 addressable by the following protocol:/dev/tty [box][channel][port]. For instance, port 0 of Box 1 on channelA, would be /dev/tty1a00.

The overview as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 11 is schematicallyrepresented by the circuit diagram of FIG. 14. Only channel A is usedfor access to one hundred twenty eight stations. Two fifty-pinconnectors 386 and 388 connect to the routing lines 390 of a motherboard 385 in each sixteen boot module or Box 374 to provide sixteencommunication channels 391 to port terminals 392 that are detailed inFIG. 15.

Referring to FIG. 15, port terminals 392 are configured to theparticular electronics interface required for powering and programmingeach model of phone unit that operates with a different electronicsstandard. For example, referring to FIG. 16, the circuitry 394 necessaryto power and program a NOKIA phone unit having a four pin connectorterminal is shown for purposes of example only. It is to be understoodthat other models of the NOKIA phone unit or phone units of differentmanufacturers may require a different circuitry or different portconnectors at the interlink receiver station 378 to enable connection,powering communication and programming of the phone unit. The portconnectors 396 that ultimately interconnect with the terminal portconnector on each phone unit is schematically shown in FIG. 14.

It is understood that each module 374 contains sixteen boots 376 withidentical circuitry at each port terminal 392 for ease of fabrication ofthe mother board 385 and programming large numbers of phone units.Different modules may, however, have different sets of identicalreceiver stations. A lesser number of interlink receiver stations 378and/or a mix of different receivers stations in one module forprogramming phones of different type, for example, of different model ormanufacturer are included on a modified platform module 324 a utilizedat a service center system 314 as shown in FIG. 9. A similarconfiguration may be used at the retail delivery system 316. In such asetting, the ability to program a limited number of different phonesfrom different manufacturers may be more important than volumeprogramming. For example, a module having eight receiver stations withboots having eight different port stations allows either different phoneunits to be programmed. Although multiple units of a single model mayhave to be programmed one at a time, the ability to handle differentphones is important to a retailer who sells phones one at a time.

Referring to the block diagrams of FIGS. 12 and 13, the system programin the central information processor, Box 318, includes a port monitormodule 394 for each port terminal 392 to detect when a phone is insertedinto a boot and connected to the port terminal for that boot. A routinein this module 394, designated IsPhoneInserted, Box 396, isautomatically activated every three to five seconds. If no phone isinserted, no message is returned and a “No Action” default, Box 400,results.

If a phone is installed, a command in the routine that does not modifythe phone, for example, “read ESN,” or “read MIN” generates a returnmessage at Box 398 that is sent to a Standard Unix SVR4 Message queue402 of the server 322 for processing by the system program of thecentral information processor 318. If the action desired is to gangprogram a plurality of new phone units installed in one or more portterminals 392 of one or more platform modules 374, the distributionsystem program messages the phone programmer module to execute the phoneunit programming sequence. The programming sequence and data return formaintaining the programming history database are passed through themodule controller, Box 380, that acts as a routing hub to the platformmodules 374 and the connected port controller at each module, Box 383,that routes the programming sequence to the specified terminal port 392that holds the particular phone unit 336 being programmed or accessedfor data retrieval. Since it is preferred that the phone programmermodule includes a separate programming sequence for each port, errors ininitiating the wrong sequence for the particular phone type connectableto the phone terminal for that phone type will be eliminated. Phonesform different manufacturers and even different phone models from thesame manufacturer may require a different electronic circuit at thereceiver station and a different programming sequence for communicationwith the informational processor running the system program. Forconvenience, the term “type” is used for phones compatible with aparticular receiver station and port terminal. Together, the adaptedcircuitry of the receiver station and the selective programming sequencefor selected type of mobile phone unit comprise the translation meansfor establishing the protocol for communicating with and programming aparticular type of mobile phone unit or other mobile communicationdevice. The configuration of the terminal port provides the physical andelectronic terminal for connecting the distribution and tracking systemto the mobile phone units, items generally manufactured by otherparties. Alternately, where manufacturers standardize the terminalconnectors on the phone and the electronic parameters for programmingand operating the phone; the port terminals, boots, and electronics ofthe receiver station can become more generic.

Where high volume simultaneous programming of multiple phone units isnot required, the system software can match the ESN or GIM with theproper phone programming procedure for that phone type and selectivelyroute the execution of the program to the identified port terminal.

As a step in the programming procedure, the manufacturer's code forunlocking the phone unit for programming or reprogramming is encryptedusing, for example, a psuedo C code encoding routine as follows:

char *GenerateNumber (int digits_to_return) { LOOP digits_to_returntimes CHOOSE a valid character for type of phone APPEND to string toreturn REPEAT-LOOP RETURN new anti-churn number }A higher level encryption routine current available from commercialsoftware vendors may be used where greater security is required.

The telephone programming sequence includes a diagnostic test to ensurethat all functions of the phone are operating efficiently. Once a phoneunit has been programmed, tested and assigned a MIN, the programming iscompleted. A truncated programming procedure at the service center levelis used for phones having a MIN which is identified by the systemprogram upon insertion of the phone in a receiver station of a platformmodule. Alternately, the phone unit is identified by scanning the barcode label on the phone unit with the bar code reader. At the servicecenter level, the phone is identified by MIN, ESN, GIM and otherparameters to prompt a screen inquiry whether to run the diagnosticsroutine, reprogram the phone, assign a new SID, MIN or other parameter,or deactivate the phone recapturing the MIN for return to the MINinventory.

Because the distribution system maintains a database of the phoneprogramming history that is correlated with other data collected duringreceiving phones from the manufacturer, programming the phones,transferring phones to customers, assigning service provision contractsto service providers, and tracking the issuance of phones to theultimate user, a wealth of relational data is acquired for reportgeneration, remote polling, inventory control, E-mail reporting of testerrors and other features useful to an integrated phone distributionoperation.

In the event that errors should occur in the system, the errors arelogged by time and date of occurrence. The errors are automaticallyreported to the system providers technical support node via e-mail.Technicians from the system provider can log-on the user system toinvestigate and correct reported problems.

The system utilizes an X Windows graphical user interface with optionlists and pull down menus for system operation using a mouse control.Keyboard entry of data is minimized by the extensive use of existingdata stored in the system database and the use of standard or customtemplates for forms and reports.

A sample of screen displays is shown in FIGS. 18A-18T. The screendisplays, in part, illustrate the features carried out by the systemsoftware program for the distribution application, which is a part ofthe software code submitted in the accompanying Appendix. The screendisplays include a Log-in screen for system connection, FIG. 18A and aLog-in screen for an authorized user, FIG. 18B, which on entry of acorrect password, prompts a main menu, FIG. 18C. By keyboard or mouseselection of a listed item, the linked sub-menu or menus for the listeditem is displayed, for example, MIN Inventory Maintenance, FIG. 18D; MINNumber Entry by Keyboard, FIG. 18E; MIN Number Entry by Disk Entry, forexample where a group of MIN numbers were blocked for use with a batchof phones identified by ESN, FIG. 18F; Place or Ship Order FIG. 18G, analternate, Place Order, FIG. 18H, Program Phones, FIGS. 18I-18J;Customer Maintenance, FIG. 18K; Company Maintenance FIG. 18L; ManagementReport Menu, FIG. 18M; including, MIN Inventory Report, FIG. 18N; ActiveAssignment Listing Report, FIG. 180; Retail Outlet Listing Report, FIG.18P; Open Orders, FIG. 18Q; Salesperson Listing, FIG. 18R; CustomerHistory Listing, FIG. 18S; and, Shipment Listing, FIG. 18T.

With a proper access authority, the data stored in the centralinformation processor 318 can be accessed from any terminal networked tothe central information processor, such as the computer 328 for theservice center system 314 or tho retail delivery system 316. When thecentral information processor 318 is a stand alone device or onemodified for limited service without a central informationclearinghouse, it is simply an information processor and may compriseany computer capable of handling the data processing, storage androuting requirements of the distribution, programming and trackingsystems for mobile communication devices described herein.

While, in the foregoing, embodiments of the present invention have beenset forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a completedisclosure of the invention, it may be apparent to those of skill in theart that numerous changes may be made in such detail without departingfrom the spirit and principles of the invention.

1. A mobile phone programming and tracking system comprising: a gangplatform having a plurality of interface units, each interface unitconfigured to receive a mobile phone unit and transmit programminginformation to said mobile phone unit; and an information processingunit connected to each of said gang platform interface units configuredto control the gang platform interface units to simultaneously program aplurality of mobile phone units on an automated basis.
 2. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the plurality of interface units include a plurality ofinterlink receivers.
 3. The system of wherein claim 1 wherein one ormore of the interface units receives instructions from said informationprocessing unit for encrypting its corresponding mobile phone unit withan anti-churn code.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the instructionsreceived by each said mobile phone unit from said information processingunit include instructions for limiting use of said mobile phone unitwhen a predetermined credit amount is reached.
 5. The system of claim 1wherein said mobile phone units are programmed to collect call detailinformation for later transmission to the information processing unit.6. The system of claim 1 wherein the instructions are modifiable toallow information unique to each mobile phone unit to be programmed. 7.The system of claim 1 further comprising: a customer activation systemconnected to the information processing unit via a communication link,the customer activation system including customer information that is tobe used to program operations for each of the plurality of mobile phoneunits with information which is specific to a particular customer. 8.The system of claim 1 wherein said information processing unit caninitiate a polling routine directed to each of said interface units todetermine whether a mobile phone unit is received within the interfaceunit.
 9. A mobile phone programming and tracking system comprising: agang platform having a plurality of interface units, each interface unitconfigured to receive different types of mobile phone units and transmitprogramming information to its mobile phone unit; and an informationprocessing unit connected to each of said gang platform interface unitsconfigured to control the gang platform interface units to program aplurality of different types of mobile phone units on an automated basisin an way which is appropriate to each type of mobile phone unit. 10.The system of claim 9 wherein the information processing unit canprogram different types of mobile phone units simultaneously.
 11. Thesystem of claim 9 wherein said mobile phone units can be programmed towork with different telephone service providers.
 12. The system of claim9 wherein one or more of the interface units receives instructions fromsaid information processing unit for encrypting its corresponding mobilephone unit with an anti-churn code.
 13. The system of claim 9 whereinthe instructions received by each said mobile phone unit from saidinformation processing unit include instructions for limiting use ofsaid mobile phone unit when a predetermined credit amount is expended.14. The system of claim 9 wherein said mobile phone units are programmedto collect call detail information for later transmission to theinformation processing unit.
 15. The system of claim 9 wherein theinstructions are modifiable to allow information unique to said type ofmobile phone unit to be programmed.
 16. The system of claim 9 furthercomprising: a customer activation system connected to the informationprocessing unit via a communication link, the customer activation systemincluding customer information that is to be used to program operationsfor each of the plurality of mobile phone units with information whichis specific to a particular customer.
 17. The system of claim 9 whereinsaid information processing unit can initiate a polling routine directedto each of said interface units to determine whether a mobile phone unitis received within the interface unit and, if so, what type of mobilephone unit it is.